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1943 Copper Penny Found in a High School Cafeteria Set to Fetch Millions at Auction
Posted by Derek Sawchenko on
In 1947, Don Lutes Jr. bought lunch from his high school cafeteria and noticed something strange about his change. One of the pennies he received had a copper tint to it. Normally, this would be fine for most pennies, however, the date on this penny was 1943. Lutes Jr. knew that pennies from that date were always made of steel. This was due to the Military's needs during World War II.
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- Tags: Coin Auctions, Numismatics
The Coins that Saved a Soldier's Life
Posted by Derek Sawchenko on
At the beginning of World War I, Optatius Buyssens was on a scouting mission for the Belgian Army. Unfortunately, the Belgian and French Franc coins that were in his breast pocket were jingling enough for a German soldier to hear them. As a result, Buyssens was shot and fell to the ground. The German soldier proceeded to kick him in the head to confirm his death and went on his way. Ironically, the same coins that got Buyssens in trouble were the same coins that saved his life. The bullet ricocheted off of 6 coins, which was just enough to...
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- Tags: Coin History
A Farewell to Mint Sculpt Engraver Charles Vickers
Posted by Derek Sawchenko on
Charles L. Vickers had a long and illustrious career in numismatic coins. After his service in the Army, Vickers attended the Art Students League, Frank Reilly School of Art, the Pratt Institute, and the School of Visual Arts.
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- Tags: Mint Designers
Is a 100-Point Grading Scale for Numismatic Coins Coming?
Posted by Derek Sawchenko on
Recently, Ron Guth, President of Coinfacts, has suggested a new 100-point grading scale for numismatic coins. As it stands, coins are currently graded on a 70 point scale. 1 being the lowest, and 70 being a perfect coin.
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- Tags: Graded Coins, Numismatics
Have you heard of the Aluminum Morgan Dollar?
Posted by Derek Sawchenko on
In 1884, Mint Director A.L. Snowden was made known of two counterfeiters who possessed false dies that were essentially the same as those possessed by the mint. These counterfeiters had the power to place the country's coinage at their mercy.